Image Conscious August 20, 2013— byJulie Ackerman Link Read: 2 Corinthians 3:1-3, 17-18 We all . . . are being transformed . . . by the Spirit of the Lord. —2 Corinthians 3:18 Bible in a Year: Psalms 105-106; 1 Corinthians 3 When going through old family photos, my cousins and I joke about which physical characteristics we’ve inherited. We notice primarily the negative ones: short legs, crooked teeth, unruly cowlicks. All of us can easily identify in our ancestors our own least favorite body part. In addition to physical attributes, we also inherited character traits—some good, some not so good. But we don’t always pay as much attention to those. According to my unscientific observations, people try all kinds of methods to overcome physical imperfections—exercise routines, weight-loss programs, makeup, hair coloring, cosmetic surgery. But instead of trying to overcome our character flaws, we tend to use them as an excuse for behaving badly. I suppose this is because changing our looks is easier than changing our character. But imagine how much better off we’d be if we put our energy into character development. As God’s children, we’re not limited by our genetic makeup. We can surrender our flaws to Him and allow Him to fulfill the potential He had in mind when He created us as unique expressions of His love. The power of God’s Spirit and the life of God’s Son are at work in us, conforming us to His image (2 Cor. 3:18). I know, Lord, that You’re more interested in thecondition of my heart than my outward appearance.Please make me into the person You want me to be—filled with kindness, patience, integrity, and love. The Spirit develops in us the clear image of Christ. 注重形象 八月 20, 2013 - Julie Ackerman Link 读经: 哥林多后3章 我们众人……变成主的形状⋯⋯如同从主的灵变成的。 —哥林多后书3章18节 全年读经: 诗篇105-106篇 哥林多前书3章 当我和堂姐妹在浏览家族旧照片的时候，会拿我们遗传到了哪些身体特征来开玩笑，而我们认为最糟的特征，就是短腿、歪齿和额头上的卷毛。每个人都可以很快地在自己的长辈身上，认出自己最不喜欢的身体部位。除了这些身体特征，我们往往也遗传到一些人格特质，有好也有坏，但我们总是不会太注意这些特质。 根据我自己非科学的观察结果，人们会试着用各样的方法来克服身体上的瑕疵，例如定时运动、减肥计划、化妆、染发，甚至整型手术等。然而，我们却很少试着去克服个性上的缺点，反而习惯将这些缺点作为不良行为的藉口。我认为这是因为改变外表比改变个性来得容易。但请想像一下，假如我们可以把心力放在改善自己的性格上，我们可以变得更好！ 身为上帝的儿女，我们并不受限于我们的基因组合，我们可以将自己的一切缺点，交在上帝的手中，让祂帮助我们达到受造时，原有的美好形象，因我们是祂爱的独特创造。圣灵的大能与上帝儿子的生命，在我们的里面作工，使我们越来越像祂的样式（哥林多后书3章18节）。 我知主看内在， 胜过外表的我； 愿我合神心意， 结出圣灵之果。 圣灵帮助我们彰显基督的荣美。
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 05:02:43 +0000
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